Day Four: Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii)

Name: Lasiorhinus Krefftii (Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat)

Classification:  Genus - Lasiorhinus
                         Family - Vombatidae
                         Order - Diprotodontia
                         Class - Mamallia
                         Phylum - Chordata
                         Kingdom - Animalia   

Location: This sub species of wombat ranges across north-eastern parts of Australia including: 
Queensland, Victoria, and New South  Wales


IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered. There is an estimated 65 left in the wild. The Lasiohinus Krefftii 
is one of the worlds most endangered mammals. 

General Information: These marsupials have very poor eye sight, but with that an excellent sense of smell. These
little burrowers do have a pouch to carry their young it. However, the wombats pouch is located near their rear
which turns out to be a environmental advantage. Their young usually stay in the mothers pouch anywhere between 
6-9 months, and will leave their mother after a year. The reproduction rate it low and can only provide one offspring 
every 2-3 years.

The Threat: Before these creatures were legally protected, they were hunted for their fur due to its soft and silky
nature. Their diet is very specific in the type of grass they eat. With the introduction to certain livestock in Australia 
such as, sheep, cows, and rabbit; the source of food has become scarce. Convservation efforts have built predator 
proof fences for this marsupial to continue to protect it.

references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hairy-nosed_Wombat
http://www.earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=M&view=c&ID=4&sp=511
http://www.wombania.com/wombats/hairy-nosed-wombat.htm